Prostate Cancer Screening
Cancer screening means looking for cancer before it causes symptoms. The goal of screening for prostate cancer is to find cancers that may be at high risk for spreading if not treated, and to find them early before they spread.
If you are thinking about being screened, learn about the possible benefits and harms of screening, diagnosis, and treatment, and talk to your doctor about your personal risk factors.
There is no standard test to screen for prostate cancer. Two tests that are commonly used to screen for prostate cancer are described below.
Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Test
A blood test called a prostate specific antigen (PSA) test measures the level of PSA in the blood. PSA is a substance made by the prostate. The levels of PSA in the blood can be higher in men who have prostate cancer. The PSA level may also be elevated in other conditions that affect the prostate.
As a rule, the higher the PSA level in the blood, the more likely a prostate problem is present. But many factors, such as age and race, can affect PSA levels. Some prostate glands make more PSA than others.
PSA levels also can be affected by—
- Certain medical procedures.
- Certain medications.
- An enlarged prostate.
- A prostate infection.
Urinary Catheterization
Urinary catheterisation is a procedure used to drain the bladder and collect urine, through a flexible tube called a catheter.
Urinary catheters are usually inserted by doctors or nurses in hospital or the community.
They can either be inserted through the tube that carries urine out of the bladder (urethral catheter) or through a small opening made in your lower tummy (suprapubic catheter).
The catheter usually remains in the bladder, allowing urine to flow through it and into a drainage bag.
Depending on the type of catheter you have and why it’s being used, the catheter may be removed after a few minutes, hours or days, or it may be needed for the long term.
Prostate Biopsy
The prostate gland is found only in males. It sits below the bladder and wraps around the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body). The prostate helps make semen.
A biopsy is a procedure used to remove a small piece of tissue or cells from the body so it can be examined under a microscope.
In a prostate biopsy, prostate gland tissue is taken out with a biopsy needle or during surgery. The tissue is checked to see if there are cancer or other abnormal cells in the prostate gland.
A prostate biopsy may be done in several different ways:
Transrectal method. This is done through the rectum and is the most common.
Perineal method. This is done through the skin between the scrotum and the rectum.
Transurethral method. This is done through the urethra using a cystoscope (a flexible tube and viewing device).
Ultrasound is usually used to look at the prostate gland and guide the biopsy needle.
Vasectomy
Vasectomy is a form of male birth control that cuts the supply of sperm to your semen. It's done by cutting and sealing the tubes that carry sperm. Vasectomy has a low risk of problems and is performed in an outpatient setting under local anesthesia.
Before getting a vasectomy, you need to be certain you don't want to father a child in the future. Vasectomy is a permanent form of male birth control. A follow-up semen examination is required 12 weeks after surgery to confirm that there are no sperm present.
Vasectomy offers no protection from sexually transmitted infections.
Circumcision
Circumcision is the surgical removal of the foreskin.
The foreskin is the retractable fold of skin that covers the end of the penis. It's a continuation of the skin that covers the whole penis. This page focuses on circumcision for medical reasons in men. Read about circumcision for medical reasons in boys.
Ureteroscopy
Ureteroscopy is a procedure to address kidney stones, and involves the passage of a small telescope, called a ureteroscope, through the urethra and bladder and up the ureter to the point where the stone is located. Ureteroscopy is typically performed under general anesthesia, and the procedure usually lasts from one to three hours.
Cystoscopy
A cystoscopy is a procedure to look inside the bladder using a thin camera called a cystoscope. A cystoscope is inserted into the urethra (the tube that carries pee out of the body) and passed into the bladder to allow a doctor or nurse to see inside.
Ultrasound-Guided Prostate Biopsy
Located at 5th Ngong Avenue Suites, 7th Floor Room 1, our clinic is renowned for utilizing advanced prostate health diagnostics under the expertise of Dr. Onyango Oluoch. Specializing in ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy, we offer a blend of precision, comfort, and personalized care.
Preparation and Procedure
Prior to your biopsy, a thorough consultation ensures you're fully prepared, with guidance on medication adjustments and procedural protocols. Dr. Oluoch emphasizes the importance of preventive antibiotics and provides specific instructions for fasting and bowel preparation to ensure the procedure's success.
On the day, the process involves:
1. Imaging: High-definition ultrasound images are captured to guide the biopsy accurately.
2. Anesthesia: A local anesthetic is applied to minimize discomfort.
3. Biopsy: Small tissue samples are extracted for analysis, with Dr. Oluoch's precision minimizing discomfort and enhancing diagnostic accuracy.
Safety and Comfort
While minor bleeding or discomfort might occur, advanced techniques and meticulous care significantly reduce these risks. Infection prevention is a priority, underscored by the preemptive use of antibiotics and sterile procedures.
Outcomes and Follow-Up
The goal is an accurate diagnosis to inform tailored treatment plans. Dr. Oluoch personally oversees follow-up care, ensuring you're informed and comfortable with your health journey's next steps.
Location & Contact
Location: 5th Ngong Avenue Suites, 7th Floor Room 1
Contact: 📞 0741254745
Choosing our clinic for your prostate health needs means entrusting your care to a team that values precision, patient comfort, and personalized treatment plans. Contact us to schedule your appointment and take a proactive step toward your well-bein